Step Up.
Support. Lead.
Learn how to support an SSI Instructor during real diver training. Develop the awareness, organisation and people skills that turn an experienced diver into a trusted dive professional.
Learn to be the instructor’s right hand
One of the most important roles of an SSI Divemaster is assisting an instructor during diver training. It is not simply about carrying equipment or following the group. You need to anticipate what comes next, watch the students, support the instructor and help the entire session run safely and smoothly.
At Ocean Tribe, you will assist experienced SSI Instructors during real training programs whenever suitable courses are running. If a required training situation is not available, realistic simulations can be used so you still develop and demonstrate the required skills.
What will you do while assisting?
A capable Divemaster helps create a calmer, safer and more organised learning environment for every student.
Group control
Monitor the rest of the group while the instructor works with an individual student. Maintain position, awareness and clear communication without distracting from the lesson.
Demonstration assistance
Support demonstrations that require a second diver, including air-sharing exercises. Good positioning helps every student see exactly what is happening.
Course logistics
Prepare spare equipment, organise cylinders, assist students with their gear and check that descent lines, emergency equipment and training aids are ready.
Dive guiding
Lead the underwater tour while the instructor observes student performance. Practise navigation, pace control, group positioning and environmental awareness.
Equipment troubleshooting
Recognise common equipment problems and make safe, appropriate adjustments. Learn which problems you can resolve and when the instructor must take over.
Student support
Be calm and approachable. Listen to student concerns, reinforce the instructor’s guidance and help nervous divers feel supported without stepping outside your professional role.
Before, during and after every session
Good assisting begins before anyone enters the water and continues after the final student has removed their equipment.
Prepare
Review the plan, understand your assigned role and confirm that equipment, teaching aids and emergency resources are ready.
Observe
Watch the instructor, students, surroundings and group position. Spot developing problems before they become disruptive.
Support
Carry out the instructor’s directions calmly and efficiently while communicating clearly with both students and the dive team.
Reflect
Join the debrief, discuss what worked and identify how your positioning, awareness and assistance can improve next time.
Included in the price
- SSI digital learning
- Required course materials
- Professional-level training
- Instructor mentorship
- SSI Professional Application Fee
Are you ready to start?
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Rescue Diver certification or recognised equivalent
- Current CPR and first-aid training completed within the previous two years
- Current emergency oxygen-provider training completed within the previous two years
- Proof of Deep Diving experience
- Proof of Night Diving experience
- Proof of Navigation Diving experience
Students will often come to you first
Student divers sometimes find it easier to speak to the Divemaster than to the instructor. You may be the person they approach with a question, a concern or a quiet admission that they feel nervous.
Your job is to listen, remain reassuring and pass important information to the instructor. You reinforce the instructor’s teaching rather than replacing it. This balance of friendliness, judgement and professional boundaries is a key Divemaster skill.
Explore the rest of your Divemaster training
Assisting in training FAQ
Will I assist with real student courses?
Will I be allowed to teach students independently?
Do I need to be comfortable demonstrating skills?
What happens if I have not completed every prerequisite?
Is assisting in training the whole Divemaster course?
Can I take longer than 14 days?
Ready to become the professional others rely on?
Tell us your current certification level, number of logged dives and preferred training dates. We will help you plan the right Divemaster route in Diani.
